REGIMENTAL HISTORY

The 49th Regiment Indiana Infantry was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in November 1861, the regiment fought in several major campaigns throughout the war, including the Cumberland Gap Campaign, the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Red River Campaign. The regiment mustered out of service in September 1865.

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The regiment was first attached to the 12th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, in December 1861, and later to several other units before being assigned to the Department of Kentucky in February 1865. The regiment's detailed service included duties at various locations, such as Bardstown, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, before participating in the Cumberland Gap Campaign in 1862. The regiment played a key role in the capture of Fort Hindman during the Yazoo Expedition and also participated in the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863.

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Throughout its service, the 49th Indiana Infantry suffered a total of 236 casualties, including 1 officer and 40 enlisted men who were killed or mortally wounded in battle, and 3 officers and 192 enlisted men who died of disease. Notable members of the regiment included 1st Sergeant William Wesley Kendall, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Big Black River Bridge on May 17, 1863.

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The 49th Indiana Infantry is an important part of the history of the American Civil War and its service reflects the bravery and sacrifices of the men who served in the Union Army during the war. The regiment's service is a testament to the importance of preserving and commemorating the legacy of those who fought and died for the cause of the Union during the Civil War.